Mosaic's damaged vans may take months to replace

It could be weeks — even months — before a Colorado Springs nonprofit recovers from vandalism that has curtailed its services for developmentally disabled clients, the group’s directors said Friday.

An insurance adjuster on Friday determined that vandals who targeted Mosaic’s fleet of vans Wednesday night caused $40,000 in damage, double the preliminary assessment, the group said.

Stopgap measures such as renting vans will allow the group to restore many of its services within two weeks, said Melissa DeSutter, Mosaic’s community relations manager.  But wheelchair-accessible rentals are not available, and finding replacements can be difficult and costly.  New wheelchair lifts cost $10,000 apiece, and the specialty shops that install them take up to three months to fill new orders.

Twenty-five clients require the wheelchair lifts to participate in the group’s job training and day programs.

Insurance will cover only part of the repairs, DeSutter said.

“We definitely know that it’s going to affect us financially.  It’s a question of degree,” she said.

Vandals severely damaged nine of the group’s 15 vehicles parked in the lot outside Mosaic’s offices near North Academy Boulevard and Constitution Avenue. The parking lot, dark and empty at night, has made the Mosaic vehicles targets in the past, the group said.

Another nonprofit, Community Intersections, has been able to assist in providing transportation, but the group had to turn down many other offers by volunteers because a background check has to be done on all drivers.

Those wishing to help defray the group’s out-of-pocket expenses may visit the Mosaic Web site at mosaicinfo.org and select the tab for “Click here to donate.” Donors may specify that their money go to Colorado Springs. Donations may also be mailed or dropped off at the group’s administrative offices at 1785 N. Academy Blvd., suite 134.

No arrests have been made.